SEVERE WEATHER HITS AREA EARLY THIS MORNING
A line of severe thunderstorms struck this area early this morning just after 5:00 a.m. The line of storms moved fast with winds topping out around 70 mph. This morning, several fire and police department personnel have been removing tree limbs and electric companies have been repairing downed power lines throughout Bond and surrounding counties. A tornado warning was issued this morning for nearly every county in the metro east at one point or another, including Bond, Fayette, Clinton, St. Clair, Madison and Montgomery Counties. The high winds caused several power outages around the WGEL listening area, and blew over a semi-truck on I-64 near Albers.
Rain totals for Greenville were .42 inches at the Sewer Plant, .39 inches at Sixth Street and .43 inches at Idler Lane and Rt. 140. The storms moved quickly through the area and no more significant rain is expected today or for several days. However, a wind advisory is in effect until 7:00 p.m. today. Sustained winds are expected to be 25-35 mph with wind gusts reaches 40-50 mph. Temperatures will be cooler today with a high reaching the mid 60’s.
FIRE/EXPLOSION AT MASCHHOFF'S IN CARLYLE
The storms this morning are believed to be the cause of a fire and possible explosion at the Maschhoff's facility near Carlyle. According to VP of Operations for Maschhoff Tim Laatsch there were five employees in the facility at the time of the fire around 6AM this morning. Laatsch said no one was seriously injured but one person was seeking medical attention for minor burns. The cause of the fire does remain under investigation, but is believed to be electrical in nature. Firemen were on the scene most of this morning.
GRANITE CITY MAN SENTENCED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE
David Steward, age 36, of Granite City, was sentenced recently to 70 months imprisonment, a fine of $750.00, a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Steward pled guilty to transportation of child pornography, in 2008.
UNIT 2 BOARD CLOSED SESSION
Following a closed session at the recent Unit 2 Board meeting, the board hired Kim Lappie food service employee, Tiffany Lile and Shelia Long cooks, Melissa Polley Pom Pon/Dance Sponsor and Linda Fisher custodian. The Greenville Junior High School Parent/Teachers nights will be Tuesday, October 26 through Thursday, October 28.
